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School: Garryross

Location:
Garryross, Co. Cavan
Teacher:
Bean Uí Eochagáin
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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0995, Page 375

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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0995, Page 375

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  1. XML School: Garryross
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  3. XML “Bird-Lore”
  4. XML “Bird-Lore”

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  1. Bird-Lore (continued)

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    (continued from previous page)
    was in flight. The Eagle soared along higher than any other bird and proclaimed in a loud voice "I am king of the wren birds". The little wren all the time hidden now flew out and soared over the Eagle and shouted "I am king of the birds". So ever after that the wren wasknown as the king of all birds.
    Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.
    History Edit

  2. Bird-Lore

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    It is the custom in this district for "wren boys" to travel on Saint Stephen's day. They are dressed in straw and carry a live wren on top of a stick. They go from house to house demanding money or they will bury the wren at the door. The burying of the wren is supposed to bring bad luck, so they get pennies in almost every house.
    This is their rhyme:-
    The wren, the wren the king of all birds.
    St Stephens day she was caught in the furze.
    Rise up landlady and give us a treat.
    Up with the kettle and down with the pan.
    Give us some money or we will bury the wren.
    Eileen Halpin Fennor
    Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.
    History Edit
    Topics
    1. events
      1. events (by time of year) (~11,476)
        1. Feast of St Stephen (~402)
    Language
    English
    Collector
    Eileen Halpin
    Gender
    Female
    Address
    Fennor Lower, Co. Meath